CPR 4-6-4 H-1-a

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have acquired a few CPR engines for my layout and I am quite aware that just about any Canadian steam engine sells for a premium.

One of the CPR steam engines that I would like to obtain is the first version produced of the 4-6-4 engine. There certainly are a lot of the later streamlined versions available but relatively few of the first version which was not streamlined.

CPR brought back from Steamtown a few years ago one of the early H-1-b versions #2816 and this steam engine now heads a CPR excursion train based on of Calgary. CPR has also refurbished a number of passenger cars which are finished in the CPR Maroon to accompany this train.

The majority of the CPR 4-6-4’s were made by Tenshodo and are of the later streamlined version. PFM also made a number of the streamlined CPR 4-6-4’s although not in the same numbers as produced by Tenshodo.

A number of the HO brass companies have expressed interest in producing this engine, but to date no one has actually committed to its production. However, with the 2816 in CPR exclusive excursion service I hope to hear that someone has finally committed to producing it in HO scale.

Other than one production run by PFM (Van Hobbies) did any one else produce this version of the steam engine. I had hoped that perhaps Toby or Pacific Pike might have produced CPR H-1-a Hudsons but it appears they did not.

Anyone have any leads that I can persue?

2

Don:

I got curious–I think those CPR H-1a’s are about the prettiest Hudsons I’ve ever seen–and checked with Caboose Hobbies and Brasstrains.com here in the States. Nothing. Brasstrains has 3 or 4 of the streamline versions. I did find that Division Point has the H-1a as a ‘projected’ loco, but when that could happen is anyone’s guess.

Tom

3

Don,
It seems that Van Hobbies are the only ones who did much Canadian brass.

Central Hobbies in Vancouver has an H1ab in stock for $795 but it would need painting and some drive work plus DCC so it would end up being a fairly expensive but nice loco. I’ve dealt with them in the past and they are very reliable.

TLA Custom Models of Kingston has 2 on their website, both painted, one with sound. Seems like they do a lot of work on their offerings but are priced accordingly.

Good luck in your quest.

CN Charlie